Panel for transparent review of probe into Radio Pakistan attack

PESHAWAR: A special committee of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has called for a thorough, transparent, and evidence-based review of the investigation into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident that occurred on May 9-10, 2023. The committee, led by Provincial Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Aftab Alam, convened at the provincial assembly secretariat to assess the facts, investigation process, and legal and administrative aspects connected to the incident, according to a press release.

The committee comprised Provincial Minister for Irrigation Riaz Khan, committee members, and other assembly members, including Ehtesham Ali, Tariq Mehmood Aryani, Abdul Muneem Khan, Sher Ali Afridi, Asif Masood, Mohammad Rashad Khan, and Adnan Khan. Officials from law, police, and home departments, the advocate general’s office, and the assembly secretariat also participated in the meeting.

The committee summoned former investigating officer Wajid Shah, who presented a briefing to the members on the investigation, evidence, and progress of the cases. The additional advocate general questioned him on various aspects of the investigation. Wajid Shah informed the committee that First Information Reports (FIRs) had been filed against 200 individuals in connection with the incident, with 177 cases resolved and 23 still pending.

The additional advocate general instructed the former investigating officer to conduct a comprehensive review of all cases, respond to the remaining queries, and submit the relevant records and evidence at the subsequent meeting. Committee members also questioned police officials regarding the investigation, the current status of the cases, and the available evidence.

Chairman Aftab Alam instructed the home and police departments to adhere strictly to the committee's guidelines and instructions and submit all pertinent records and evidence to the committee. He emphasized that the investigation must uncover the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident through a transparent, impartial, and evidence-based process.